Today, when non-standard interior solutions and minimalism are in trend, pleated curtains have become one of the most popular options for window decoration. Pleated curtains look great on plastic windows, easily fit into non-standard openings and can be very different: strict and romantic, plain and patterned, thick and transparent.
If you experiment with their colors and textures, you can always choose a model that suits a specific interior style. Let's consider how it is customary to use it in the interiors of different rooms.
Externally, pleated curtains are very similar to blinds - laconic shape, segmented structure. But upon examination, you will notice that the characteristic aluminum or plastic slats are missing; their place is taken by corrugated paper or fabric.
It is worth noting that this type of window decoration is more aesthetically pleasing and convenient, as it has many more control options, and allows you to design not only rectangular frames, but also arched ones.
Kinds
In the photo there are pleated curtains in three versions: tensioned, free-hanging and fixed.
The main advantage of pleated frames is that they can be made for frames of varying complexity and arrangement: triangular, semicircular, square, round and broken. Depending on the type of structure and fasteners, systems are divided into several types: tensioned, free-hanging and fixed.
- 1The tension system can be successfully used for inclined windows. In addition, this system can be equipped with side guides to avoid gaps and sagging, as well as a tighter fit to the glass. It is available in two mounting options:
- tension threads fix each profile, which allows you to adjust the lighting in the room; Thus, you can open the lower or upper edge of the glass unit by moving one or two profiles at the same time;
- the second scenario involves attaching one of the profiles to the frame; Thus, only one profile is held together by tension threads and can move along them parallel to the glass.
- 2 Free-hanging has a canvas with a permanently fixed upper edge and a lower edge that flows along the frame, which can freely move up and down. It makes sense to mount the system on vertical blind and opening sashes.
- 3 Fixed is suitable for decorating irregularly shaped windows. It continuously closes the window and is not adjustable at all.
Color block
This is the name of the technique when an item is painted in different colors in large geometric blocks. These can be equal proportions of different colors or more interesting combinations.
Mounting and control methods
Pleated curtains are attached not only to modern plastic windows, but also to wooden, panoramic and attic ones. Adjustment of the light flux is carried out in several ways.
Electrically driven systems exist. You can also raise and lower the canvas by a rope, chain or leash manually.
What to wear with a pleated skirt
Folds are a voluminous texture. Looks best with tucked-in tops. This defines the waistline and creates a feminine silhouette without exaggerating the volume in the hips.
A jacket, fashionable sweater or cardigan, worn as the top layer in an outfit with such a skirt, is best combined with a belt. Then the proportions will be in order, and the figure will be lighter and slimmer.
The most feminine pleated skirt looks with heels. If you want to create a fashionable mix of styles, combine it with chunky boots, men's style shoes or sneakers.
During the colder months, wear a midi-length skirt with high boots that go under the hem. For low shoes or a miniskirt, choose tights in a color so as not to visually shorten your legs.
If you're a fashionista and aren't afraid to break the rules and break proportions, wear a pleated skirt with whatever tops and shoes you like. The main thing is to make sure that the selected items of clothing are up-to-date.
As you can see, in 2022/2023 you can find a fashionable pleated skirt for every taste. Any length, any color, laconic or complex cut. If you wanted a pleated skirt, but you don’t like to be like everyone else, seize the moment! We are sure that this year you will finally find your ideal skirt.
Author of the article: Polina Tonkikh, stylist @polinathin_stylist
Day-night systems
The photo shows pleated curtains with a day-night system. This model allows you to easily adjust the level of illumination in the room.
This look is noticeably different in the use of two canvases at once: translucent and dense. 3-4 profiles are used in parallel. The system assumes several control scenarios.
- 1 You can completely lower both curtains, thick and transparent. So, in the daytime there will be a pleasant twilight in the room, suitable for daytime sleep.
- 2 The impenetrable canvas is lifted, leaving the luminous one as window decor. This option is convenient during the day, limiting outside attention and letting in light.
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Kitchen ideas
Since the kitchen is a specific room, with an atmosphere filled with the smells of cooking food and humid fumes floating in the air, you should choose pleated curtains for it, guided by certain rules.
The material for making pleated curtains can be anything. The most budget options are even made from thick paper. But for the kitchen you need to choose models made of polyester or mixed fabrics treated with a special antibacterial impregnation. Such curtains not only hardly get dirty, but are also fireproof.
The most convenient option for the kitchen is tension curtains, attached directly to the doors and tightly adjacent to them. This fastening allows you to use all elements of the window structure without restrictions and leaves the window sill free.
To decorate a kitchen, pleated pleats with horizontal folds are traditionally used, but vertical models are not inferior to them in functionality and look no less interesting. An additional bonus is that vertical folds visually raise the ceilings.
The door leading to the balcony or loggia combined with the kitchen also needs to be decorated. It can be decorated either with a short pleated curtain that covers only its glass part, or with a long one stretched across the entire height of the door. A set consisting of a long pleated curtain on the door and the same curtains on the windows, but short to the window sill, looks very stylish and modern.
Leather
Leather is a macro-trend that applies to all clothing (including dresses and suits) and will be relevant for a long time. In the new seasons, colored leather and leatherette are especially popular. Pleated leather combines two textures in one item. Even with basic knitwear, the look will look stylish and interesting.
Living room ideas
At their core, pleated curtains are another type of blinds. Therefore, at first glance, they may seem too laconic for the living room - a room that simply must be cozy and conducive to a pleasant pastime. In fact, a living room with pleated fabric blinds looks no less cozy than with classic curtains. Let's look at some features of their use in the living room:
Pleated curtains go well with drapes and curtains. In the living room and hall, such curtain ensembles look especially relevant.
For the living room, it is better to buy pleated curtains, the height of which is adjustable at both the top and bottom. They are more convenient to control natural daylight.
It is better that they are plain. In the living room, as a rule, you have to place many different decorative and functional items, and colorful curtains with a large number of small horizontal folds will make the interior too rich.
Such naive “rustic” styles as shabby chic and Provence are difficult to imagine without delicate floral prints on curtains. Therefore, it is permissible to make an exception for them and choose a pleated fabric with a romantic floral pattern.
The direction of pleated folds can be not only horizontal, but also vertical. It is believed that curtains with horizontal folds visually expand the walls and are suitable for decorating narrow windows, while vertical models visually raise ceilings and are more appropriate in small rooms.
If you want to add status to the atmosphere of the room, decorate the window with lifting and sliding curtains in a deep rich color (wet asphalt, dark blue, burgundy, olive) made of thick silk or satin. If the emphasis is on the airiness of the interior, hang pleated curtains and transparent organza in pastel colors on the window.
In rooms decorated in minimalist or avant-garde styles, pleated curtains can be used as an independent “creative unit”. The main condition is that their color should echo the key colors of the interior.
Various fabrics
Also an echo of the avant-garde. In fashion, things seem to be sewn from two different things. The fabric or print may be different. The combination of smooth fabric with pleated fabric, thick with transparent fabric also looks stylish.
Bedroom ideas
Providing comfortable shading for sleep and relaxation is the main requirement for curtains in the bedroom, and pleated curtains fully meet it. Let's look at the basic ideas for decorating a bedroom with their help.
Bedrooms, especially in country houses, are often located in attics, which are characterized by non-standard windows. Pleated curtains are the only curtains that can fit into both a wall and ceiling window opening of the most bizarre configuration and not hide, but, on the contrary, emphasize its geometric shape.
One hundred percent darkening can be achieved with pleated fabric blinds made of blackout material. To prevent the windows from appearing bare during the daytime when the curtains are raised, they can be additionally decorated with a translucent curtain.
It is most convenient to regulate the illumination with day-night curtains. They don't need partner curtains. During the day, the window is covered with a translucent canvas, and at night with a dense one, which can also be made of blackout fabric.
An interesting solution for any bedroom is pleated curtains with photo printing. An image of a starry sky, a seascape or a forest clearing will help create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.
Forms
There are a lot of options for the shapes of such curtains; they can be square, rectangular, triangular, round, trapezoidal, arched. They are often hung in attics and attics at an angle, which looks quite original.
When choosing pleated curtains for plastic windows, it is possible to select the width of the folds based on the volume of glass.
If the window is small, a fold of 1-2 centimeters will be enough, but if, on the contrary, the window opening is quite large, then it is better to choose folds of 5 centimeters or more.
Balcony ideas
The main task of curtains on a balcony is to protect it from bright sunlight and at the same time not to overload the rather modest-sized space. Pleated curtains cope with it perfectly. Although it is impossible to spoil the interior of a balcony or loggia with such curtains, when choosing them it would not hurt to use a few simple tips.
If the balcony faces the sunny side, then pay attention to the pleated fabric with mother-of-pearl or metallized coating. This fabric not only shades the room, but also reflects sunlight. It does not allow the air to heat up and, even in the summer heat, keeps both the balcony and the room adjacent to it cool.
The width of standard balconies does not exceed 1.5 meters, so it is preferable to install pleated curtains on its windows separately on each sash. This mount is the most compact and does not “eat up” space.
For balconies and loggias, it is better to choose pleated curtains that open and close both at the bottom and at the top. This design allows you to protect the room from prying eyes without darkening the space
The illumination of the room adjacent to the balcony directly depends on the type of curtains on it. Therefore, they should not be too dark and dense.
Pleated curtains fit well into modern interior styles, thanks to the ability to apply various patterns to the surface of the fabric and the abundance of colors. They are comfortable, practical and easy to care for. To top it all off, they go well with many types of curtains and curtains.
Pleated curtains for the window: design features
Externally, the design of such curtains resembles ordinary horizontal blinds, but with pleated fabric, that is, with clear folds. Their width can range from 10-50 mm. For small and standard windows, narrow folds are usually chosen, and for large ones, wide folds.
There are single, double or triple types of pleated curtains. Single ones are a single fabric with folds. Double or triple ones consist of several fabrics, sewn like a honeycomb.
The control mechanism for such curtains on non-standard windows is carried out using a chain, cord, handle, leash for windows located high enough, or a remote control. The last option is more relevant for attics and winter gardens. There are also screen curtains that are ideal for round, semi-arched and oval windows. They are stationary, that is, they cannot be closed or opened.
